How does Nicholas Sparks use imagery in The Notebook?

Imagery:

"There is sickness rolling through my body; I'm neither strong nor healthy, and my days are spent like an old party balloon: listless, spongy and growing softer over time."

"When the lump in his throat subsided, he whispered to her, 'You are the answer to every prayer I've offered. You are a song, a dream, a whisper, and I don't know how I could have lived without you for as long as I have. I love you, Allie, more than you can ever imagine. I always have, and I always will.'"